Community Torah Corner - September 12, 2025

In Parshat Ki Tavo, the Torah introduces the mitzvah of bikkurim, which is bringing the first fruits to the Beit HaMikdash. In the story, a farmer places his first fruits into a basket and brings them before the Kohen, making a speech. What is interesting about the speech is that instead of just saying “thank you for these fruits,” he recalls the entire journey of the Jewish people, reflecting on the past challenges and achievements.

You may ask yourself, why such a long speech for a basket of fruit? The answer is that this story teaches us that gratitude is deeper than simply being thankful for what is in front of us. The Torah is teaching us to see every accomplishment, no matter how small, as part of a larger journey. It reminds us to be grateful for how each challenge, and that with Hashem’s guidance throughout, has brought us to be where we are today.

A lesson from this week’s Parsha is that true gratitude (הכרת הטוב) Hakarat Hatov (in Hebrew) means recognizing each step and struggle on our journey, not just the final result. The farmer’s speech reminds us that every achievement is built on past challenges. Like him, we should look back at what we have overcome and realize how the process is just as important as the result.

In our daily lives, whether it’s school, work, or our personal life, we can apply this same idea. It’s easy to only focus on the big accomplishments, like getting an A on a test or winning a game. But Ki Tavo also teaches us to appreciate the “first fruits,” the little and early successes and the small steps forward, that lead us to be where we are today. It is important to take a moment to pause and thank Hashem for helping us get there.

Just like the farmer, we can improve our mindset and everyday lives by reminding ourselves that every step we take is worth being recognized and is a part of a larger journey. By recognizing Hashem’s role in our lives, we not only feel grateful but also more motivated and joyful along the way.

Later in the parsha, we read about the blessings and curses told on Mount Gerizim and Mount Eival. If Bnei Yisrael walk in Hashem’s ways, they will receive the blessings of the land, safety, and joy, but if they do not, they will face the curses which are the opposites of the blessing. This message ties directly to bikkurim: just as the farmer takes responsibility to recognize Hashem as the source of his fruits, we must recognize that our choices carry consequences. When we act with gratitude, awareness, and responsibility, we bring blessing into our lives in school, at work, and in everything we do.